Clifton library introduces self-checkout kiosk

Library Director Candice Brown, pictured with Justine Tomczak, with the latest addition to the Allwood branch library, a self-checkout kiosk.

CLIFTON - To help increase efficiency and meet demand, the City's public library became the first in Passaic County to institute self-checkout kiosks.

While visitors to the Allwood branch on Lyall Road are still able to check out the old fashioned way, Library Director Candice Brown said this week that patrons can utilize two automated machines to check out their own materials.

The self-check out technology was installed last Tuesday and were operational later that day, she said.

"We are the first library in the Pals Plus consortium to make this available," Brown said. "This is a way to help manage the volume as our circulation continues to increase and our budgets dwindle. There is no funding for additional staff and people sometimes wait longer for service."

She added that the new kiosks are not meant to replace staff members but enhance the branch's service.

"The staff, for the most part, were quite excited about this," Brown said.

Library customers are still learning the new system but the library's director said early feedback at the branch has been positive.

Because the machines are located in close proximity to the check-out desk, Brown said she does not anticipate an increase in theft. She also cited the security gates as a deterrent.

Although the self-service machines are the first of their kind in the county, the technology is not a new offering. Brown estimated the systems have been in existence for about a decade.

"Libraries continue to change and adapt to the changing needs of people in our communities," Brown said. "And, as long as we do, I believe libraries will continue to serve a vital role in the community."